FRONTENAC — The Mustangs had a tough second round in Friday’s portion of the 4A wrestling regional tournament in Frontenac.
After Blazek began his day with a dominant victory over Chanute’s Ty Clements – during which the Iola grappler was able to secure the pin in just 45 seconds – the sixth-seeded 170-pounder faced a tough matchup with third-seeded Austin Moore of Louisburg.
Moore – 31-7 this season – and Blazek felt each other out in the opening moments of the match with each attempting shots, but then Moore made
shots, but then Moore made his move.
The Louisburg standout was able to take Blazek directly to his back and get the fall in 1:18.
Blazek bounced back in his first consolation match with a pin against Paola’s Jaden Knecht.
Blazek got going quickly with a big move in the first period to takedown the Paola wrestler and also record a pair of near-fall points to build a 4-0 lead.
In the second period, Blazek struck again with a reversal and then a pin with 31 seconds to go in the period.
“Yesterday, we had a really good practice,” Iola coach Jason Bates said. “I think they realize that if they don’t show up today, they could go home without a medal. I think they’ve taken that to heart and are wrestling well.”
After a first round bye, senior Colton Toney — seeded fourth at 285 pounds — faced Prairie View’s Dylan Frederick in the second round.
Frederick got a takedown late in the first period to grab an early lead at 2-0 going into the second round.
The Prairie View heavyweight opened up in the second and quickly shot and took Toney to his back. Frederick got the win by fall just 19 seconds into the second period.
Toney got a bye in the first round of consolations so he advances into Saturday’s action in the same spot as Blazek.
“Colton needs to come shots, but then Moore made his move.
The Louisburg standout was able to take Blazek directly to his back and get the fall in 1:18.
Blazek bounced back in his first consolation match with a pin against Paola’s Jaden Knecht.
